Seasonal changes in secondary compounds in the phloem sap of cassava in relation to plant genotype and infestation by Phenacoccus manihoti (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)

Abstract

AbstractA previous study on the population dynamics of the cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti (Matile-Ferrero), on cassava has shown that populations increase during the dry season. The aim of the present studies was to determine whether these important changes in the pest population observed throughout the seasons in the field in the Congo, could be correlated with seasonal variations in the level of secondary compounds in the phloem, implicated in cassava plant resistance to P. manihoti. Our results showed that cassava was in drought stress conditions during the dry season (foliar area decreased). The combination of infestation and dry stress factors was clearly visible during the dry season. In fact, the decrease in leaf water potential together with infestation by P. manihoti was clearly observed at the end of the rainy season and during the dry season. The levels of the secondary compounds, rutin (an unfavourable substance to P. manihoti) decreased in the less resistant genotype, and cyanide (a phagostimulant substance) increased in each genotype in the dry season. These results may partially explain the important population changes in P. manihoti during the seasons.